Life Goes On

Scene 64 ------------------------------------------- A Local Village

* After placing the orders for the supplies needed to keep the mobile fortress running smoothly, Ryuji doesn't have to scout around the merchant village very long to find out where servants are being vended. When he enters the large, cage-filled building one of the owners comes over.


Vendor- May I help you, young man?


* Ryuji shows the demon his identification. The vendor's attitude changes immediately.


Vendor- Ahh, welcome, Lord Ryuji.. I have many fine specimens. But I bet you would want to see my fresher inventory, I'm sure.

Ryuji- Fresh and cheap sounds good.


* The vendor chuckles nervously then motions for the fire demon to follow him over to the farthest side of the building. As soon as they near the cages one of the servants being sold catches Ryuji's red eyes. He moans as Pehjo looks up at him sadly.


Ryuji- You again?


* Ryuji crosses his arms. Pehjo lowers his eyes and his ears droop.


Pehjo- Hey.

Ryuji- Can you not stay out of trouble?

Pehjo- I went to sleep in an alley.. I woke up in this cage.


* Pehjo shrugs. Ryuji shakes his head as he brings a hand up to rub his forehead. The fire demon then starts to move on and Pehjo looks up again.


Pehjo- You're going to leave me here?


* Ryuji looks back at Pehjo.


Ryuji- I'm here to buy servants for my tyrant boss..


* The skink hurries to his bars.


Pehjo- Get me out of here.. I'll work.. I'll do whatever you want.. Please.


* Ryuji hesitates, then sighs and looks at the vendor.


Ryuji- How much for this puny skink?


* The demon glances between Ryuji and Pehjo as he thinks. Ryuji grabs the vendor by his vest and pulls him closer.


Ryuji- Give me a fair price or I'll put you out of business permanently, worm.

Vendor- (Squeaked) Two hundred..

Ryuji- For that?! - One hundred.


* The vendor swallows and starts to shake. He then nods quickly.


Vendor- M-more th-than fair, M'Lord..


* Ryuji gives the guy a shove.


Ryuji- Fine. I'll take him for one hundred and the best three others you can get me for two hundred each.


* The vendor bows repeatedly as he opens Pehjo's cage. After handing the skink's leather leash to Ryuji the vendor scurries away to get the other three servants. Ryuji shakes his head at Pehjo.


Ryuji- That hundred is coming out of my own pocket.. You will work to pay me back.

Pehjo- Gladly, boss.

Ryuji- Hn.


* Ryuji unsheathes his dagger and uses it to cut the heavy collar off Pehjo's neck.


Ryuji- If you run I'll hunt you down..


* Pehjo shrugs boredly.


Pehjo- I have nowhere to go.


* Pehjo looks around as they wait for the vendor to return.


Pehjo- So.. where's.. the other one?

Ryuji- Other..? You mean my brother Hiei?

Pehjo- Yeah.

Ryuji- He went to join Lord Urameshi.

Pehjo- Who?


* Ryuji looks back at the skink incredulously.


Ryuji- How in h--- have you survived this long?

Pehjo- I often ask myself that same..

Ryuji- Shut up.


* Pehjo obeys. The vendor returns with a female servant and two young males. Ryuji looks them over carefully then pays the vendor for the three. He then pushes Pehjo toward the female.


Ryuji- Make yourself useful and bring her.


* Ryuji takes the two males leashes then turns to leave.


Vendor- Excuse me.. You owe me for..


* Ryuji turns back to scowl up at the demon.


Ryuji- I just paid you for three servants.. Do you see any others with collars on them?


* When Ryuji flares out his energy the vendor looks toward Pehjo who bends to pick up his sliced collar. Ryuji rolls his eyes then yanks the vendor's attention back when he geabs his vest again.


Ryuji- Are you going to argue with Lord Mukuro's Second over a measily hundred?


* The vendor quickly sees Ryuji's reasoning and throws his hands up.


Vendor- No, no! Of course not! In fact, there is a sale today.. Buy three get one free.. Please, give Lord Mukuro my regards.

Ryuji- At least someone is smart around here.


* Ryuji releases the vendor and slaps the sliced collar out of Pehjo's hands.


Ryuji- Let's get out of here, idiot.


* When they leave the vendor relaxes with a deep sigh.


Vendor- (Mumbled) At least that pesky skink is gone.


* The demon moves back toward his office counting his money.